With the Employment Rights Act finally gaining Royal Assent in December 2025, we take a look at what's in store for employment law in 2026. Our updated tracker highlights some of the key changes for 2026: April 2026 New pay rates: Each April new statutory minimum rates apply for the year ahead. From 1 April 2026, minimum pay rates per hour will increase to: ·         National Living Wage: o 21 and over - £12.71 – 4.1% increase (or £977 increase per year for full time staff o

PRESS RELEASE 05.11.25 The Honourable Mr Justice Ritchie decides that a  UK “ contract goes further than is reasonably necessary to protect the Claimant’s legitimate business interests and is unenforceable.”     The Honourable Mr Justice Ritchie has published judgment following the five-day Tom James -vs – Max Potter case heard in High Court between 15-21 October 2025. Tom James UK Ltd v Potter [2025] EWHC 2873 (KB) (04 November 2025)   His ruling states that Tom James,  the

The House of Lords has this week stood firm against the government’s proposal to introduce "day-one" unfair dismissal rights, and have once again reaffirmed their position that there should be a six-month qualifying period. Peers argued that businesses need greater clarity and stability before such sweeping changes take effect. Speaking to People Management, Constantine Law partner, Alan Lewis , pulled no punches, describing the proposed shift from a two-year qualifying perio

In the latest episode in our podcast series, our new business immigration team, Alex Finch and Rebecca Tester introduce themselves before going on to discuss recent major changes to the UK’s immigration system. The UK government’s recent white paper on immigration sets out reforms designed to reduce net migration, shift focus towards domestic workforce development, and recalibrate the balance between attracting global talent and controlling settlement. Among the most signif

In August I wrote a blog about the use of AI in HR.  My personal enthusiasm for AI remains unbounded however irrespective of my own...

The most recent unemployment figures paint a grim picture as the number of those out of work last month hit its highest level in nearly...

Constantine Law partner, Catherine Wilson , gives her thoughts in The Yorkshire Post on how the ERB must balance the needs of employees...

Constantine Law partner, Eliza Nash , has written in Personnel Today about the recent amendment to the Employment Rights Bill banning...

Ten aircraft cleaners at Manchester Airport were caught stealing €1,290 worth of alcohol, cigarettes, and perfume from Aer Lingus planes...